The Rotary District Conference was held April 24 & 25 at the Rotary Youth Camp and what a successful event!  Thanks to Laurie and the Monday Morning Group, the Camp looked great for the robust number of Rotarians in attendance.  Friday evening was a BBQ followed by a Concert at the R.D.Goppert Center.  Saturday morning began with Rotarians working on projects throughout the Camp and the afternoon included short reports from many of the District Committees.  David McCaughey was invaluable in the smooth production of speakers as he set up and controlled the sound system, monitors and slide shows.  Thank you, David!  District Governor Jodi Sundaran made several awards including an Avenue of Service Award to Marc Horner for his service as District Foundation Chair and his work with international projects and visitors.  

The Conference ended with the annual shoes roll call.  The roll call is led by Larry Lunsford who is a Rotarian in the KC Plaza Club and will be the 2027-28 President of Rotary International.  This is the 25^th anniversary of the Shoes for Orphan Souls project and clubs were encouraged to increase their annual number which they did!  The goal was to collect 25,000 shoes.  Each Club President went to the podium to brag about their Club and announce their number of shoes.  President Jared announced that Club 13 donated 171 pairs of shoes.  Upon the tally of the final number of shoes, the grand total came to 29,417!  Champagne glasses were filled around the room and a toast was given.  A final high point was an announcement that, through contributions of many Rotarians, a Donor Advised Fund in the Rotary Foundation was established in Larry & Jill Lunsford’s name for the purpose of supporting the Shoes for Orphan Souls project in the years to come.